allergies in babies

Solving your babies' allergy

An allergy is a reaction caused when your immune system overreacts to certain harmless substances (allergens) and attacks it with an antibody causing an allergic reaction such as itching, a rash or swelling. The most common allergies in babies are asthma and eczema with around one fifth of babies suffering from either or both. This is often hereditary, so expect your child to be affected if either of the parents suffer from allergies.

Eczema
There are two types of eczema: infantile seborrheoic eczema which shows as a greasy, scaly rash and affects around half of all babies under twelve months. It doesn't usually need treatment and will go away by the time she is one, and Atopic eczema makes the skin dry, inflamed and flaky. It is treated with steroid creams and antihistamins to soothe the skin. Try to keep the outbreaks to a minimum by:

• Vacuuming every day to reduce dust mites.
• Dress her in cotton clothing and use cotton bedding.
• Use a non-bio washing powder.
• Keep her finger nails short and use scratch mittens at night to stop her scratching the rash.
• There is a good chance your child's atopic eczema will clear up in her early teens.

Asthma
Asthma is usually caused by an allergic reaction that swells the airways making it difficult for the child to breathe, although it can also be caused by a cold or virus. You can help to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks by:

• Not using air fresheners and similar household chemicals
• Stopping smoking.
• Vacuuming daily to reduce house dust mites. Also vacuum curtains and bedding, and try to keep cuddly toys out of the bedroom.
• Not keeping pets if there is a family history of animal allergies.
• Breastfeeding for the first six months if at all possible. This will give your child some antibodies not found in formula milk.